Australian Fauna: The Platypus

Australia is home to the unique platypus. Today, this amazing mammal lives other place in the world. When first "discovered" by the British, the platypus, then called water-mole, was thought to be a hoax because surely it was put together from parts of other animals. That same sense of disbelief is still felt today. How can such a creature exist!

The platypus is a furry mammal with webbed feet and a "duck" bill which doesn't look exactly like a regular duck's bill because it's very flat and very large. People don't often catch sight of a platypus in the wild, though there are viewing spots in some of the parks and protected wildlife areas. These solitary animals live in burrows along river banks in Australia's tropical rainforest. They spend most of their time inside their burrows, preferring to come out mostly at night. They feed in the water on worms, shrimp and such. The platypus doesn't venture out onto land very often.

There is a lot to learn about this amazing animal that has become one of the symbols of Australia. The Internet gives students and teachers the chance to go on a virtual adventure into the home and the life of the platypus.

Learn more about the platypus:

A Very Special Australian: How did the platypus get its name? What does a platypus eat? Where does the platypus live? The Australian Platypus Conservancy has the answers.